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Summary

What causes a golf ball to hook or slice? What are the origins of the terms '¬Sbogey'¬ and '¬Sbirdie'¬? Why was Jack Nicklaus called '¬SThe Golden Bear'¬? '¬SWhy is the Masters champion presented with a green jacket? How many tournaments did Byron Nelson win in 1945? With Golf Miscellany, the fascinating history and lore of golf are finally revealed! For example, the reason a golf ball hooks or slices is that its spin drags a layer of air across one surface of the ball faster than it does across the opposite surface. '¬SBogey'¬ refers to a score of one over par on a golf hole, the term originating from a British song from the late nineteenth century. Jack Nicklaus was dubbed The Golden Bear by his former agent, Mark McCormick, because he was '¬Slarge, strong, and blonde.'¬ Every Masters champion since 1949 has been presented with a green jacket, indicating their membership in the exclusive private club. And the great Byron Nelson won a whopping eighteen tournaments in 1945 including eleven in a row, both records which stand to this day. Packed with all manner of delightful surprises, beautiful illustrations and photos, and surprising nuggets of information, Golf Miscellany demystifies the origins and customs of one of the world'¬"s most celebrated game. From the driving range through the U.S. Open, you'¬"ll be entertained with fun, little-known facts. Why do golfers wear collared shirts? Who invented the modern putter? What golfer was famous for saying he dug his golf game out of the dirt? Settle into your favorite armchair, sip on an Arnold Palmer, and find out!

Table of Contents

Introduction

p. x

Why is it Called Golf?

p. 4

What's Inside a Golf Ballo ?

p. 12

Shhh! Why Do You Have to Be So Quiet When Someone is Hitting a Golf Ball?

p. 18

Why Was Golf Once Banned in Scotland?

p. 26

Why Can't You Ground Your Club in the Sand?

p. 32

Why Are Golfers Expected to Call Fouls on Themselves?

p. 38

Why Do Some Places Play Golf Under the Lights?

p. 44

Why Do They Call it the Ryder Cup?

p. 54

Are All the Best Golf Courses Private?

p. 61

How Did Golf Get to Be So Popular With Athletes in Other Sports?

p. 71

If Women Can Compete in Men's Tournaments, Can Men Compete in Women's Tournaments?

p. 79

What is the Difference Between White, Red, and Yellow Stakes on a Golf Course?

p. 88

Why is the First Major of the Year Called 'the Masters'?

p. 98

What is a Golf Handicap?

p. 106

How Did the Rivalry Between Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer Begin?

p. 116

When Were African Americans Finally Allowed to Compete in Tournaments?

p. 126

What is the Difference Between the Usga and the Pga?

p. 133

Why Are Golf Courses 18 Holes in Length?

p. 142

A Quick Nine

p. 156

How Did Tiger Woods Get His Nickname?

p. 157

Why is Lemonade and Iced Tea Mixed Together Called An 'arnold Palmer'?